An humiliating retrospect.
The apostle adds, as a reason for the duties first specified, that "we also," including himself with the Gentile Christians, were once in a similar condition to the heathen, and had received mercy. It is a dark picture of men in their natural state, proceeding from a description of the inward source to the outward facts of this evil life.
I. HUMAN NATURE DEPICTED AS TO ITS MORE INWARD CHARACTER. "For we ourselves" were once foolish.
1. It is foolish. As wisdom is the choice of proper means of attaining our ends, so folly must be the direct contrary.
2. It is disobedient. The word implies that the root of all true obedience is faith. Human nature is without faith, and is therefore disobedient.
3. It is deceived. Because it is separated from Christ, who is the Light of the world. It is easily led astray by all sorts of delusion. It has no pole-star or compass to steer by, and is therefore in constant danger of shipwreck. It is deceived by itself as well as by the devil.
II. HUMAN NATURE DEPICTED AS TO ITS MORE OUTWARD CHARACTER.
1. Its service was impure. "Serving divers lusts and pleasures." This was the character of heathen life in an island like Crete, where the propensities of human nature would have free scope. The pleasures of this life were of a sinful and debasing nature. Such a service was bondage (Romans 6:6, Romans 6:16; Romans 16:18).
2. It implied a life of malice.
3. It implied a life of envy.
4. It implies hatefulness. "Hateful;" that is, possessing the qualities that excite hatred and dislike.
5. It implies a return of hate for hate. "Hating one another."